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When Cats Were Gods | Bast | Sekhmet | Maahes | Mafdet MaahesMaahes protected the innocent, condemned the damned, guarded sacred land, and punished the transgressors of Ma’at - goddess of order, truth, and justice. He was seen as a powerful lion god of war who helped defend Ra on his solar barque during his nightly battle with the serpent Apep. Just as he protected Ra he also protected the Pharaoh when in battle. Some of Maahes’s titles include ‘Wielder of the Knife’, ‘Helper of the Wise Ones’, ‘Lord of Slaughter’, ‘The Initiator’, and ‘Avenger of Wrongs’. Malek, Jaromir (2006). The Cat in Ancient Egypt. London: British Museum Press. ISBN 978-0714119700. Seawright, Caroline. "Maahes, God of War and Protection, The Leonine Lord of Slaughter" Gods and Mythology of Ancient Egypt. |
He was also seen as the lord of the horizon who guarded the gates of night and watched over magical rites. His city was Leontopolis - the city of lions. There he had a grand temple devoted to him, wherein lions were bred, raised, and lived in the accompaniment of Egyptian song.
